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On January 1, 2001 I had the unique
opportunity to join the Samuel Risley in Sarnia, Ontario for three days of
icebreaking duties in the Detroit River and Western Lake Erie.
 To
boatwatchers on shore the Risley may appear small as it is working with a
freighter more than three times her length. Once on the deck the size of the
vessel is impressive. Her large rear deck provides plenty of room for removing
buoys and other Aids to Navigation work. Her Pilot house and accommodations rise
up from the main deck into the early morning darkness illuminated by onboard
lights.
Inside the Risley is warm and
comfortable, accommodations are modern and spacious. Her friendly crew are a
dedicated group of mariners that give the ship a relaxed but professional
atmosphere.
Through a series of web pages we
will take you along on a trip during winter ice operations. Our trip begins at daybreak as we
depart the Government Dock in Sarnia heading down the St. Clair River.
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operating 24 hours a day, the Risley quickly accumulated these
impressive statistics.
From Dec. 25 to Jan. 2:
- Assisted 56 vessels, 42 of
which were close escort.
- Traveled 395 Nautical Miles
through the narrow channels of the Detroit River.
- Cut 404 miles of track.
- Conducted one harbor breakout.
- Participated in one Search and
Rescue Case.
- Steamed 1826 miles.
- Rescued one bird frozen to a
dock.
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